Somerset-based sculptor Simon Hitchens is opening a new exhibition at Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury, from 16 September to 2 December. The exhibition is curated by Freeny Yianni from Close Ltd a contemporary art gallery set in the grounds of Close House in Somerset.   

The exhibition, titled ‘Parallels’, explores time and transience; the interconnected nature of what we share with the world. For three weeks spanning the autumn equinox of 2019 Simon travelled the full height of the British Isles, from latitude 50 in Cornwall to latitude 60 in Shetland. The purpose of the journey was to find rocks from eleven different geological time periods and to make a durational day drawing of the shadow lines cast from each rock, on each of the eleven lines of latitude. Shadows cast from a twelfth object, a discarded lump of plastic, were drawn on a landfill site near London.   

Simon said: “The British Isles have a rich and varied geology, with rocks ageing from the present to some of the oldest on our planet. Each day these rocks get a little older as we too get older. To be able to comprehend the deep-time of rocks is to a shine a light upon our own short lifespan”.   

Complementing the drawings are ‘noontide’ shadow-sculptures of the twelve geological objects. There will also be a large concrete sculpture, ‘Bearing Witness to Things Unseen’ in the Abbey Barn.   

Simon is an RWA Academician and the fourth generation of artist in his family. His work has been exhibited around the world. Sculpture from ‘Parallels’ is on display as part of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2023 (13 June – 20 Aug.) He has worked on numerous large-scale public commissions and is currently working on a monumental landmark sculpture which will stand 55 metres above Cold Law hill in Northumberland. Ascendant: The Elizabeth Landmark is a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II, her services to the country and her lifelong dedication to The Commonwealth.